In Reserve

Nothing like spending a gorgeous morning at the RFK training grounds for a DCU-Toronto reserve match.

What does it say about Jose Carvallo that, for the second consecutive reserve game, he starts out on the bench? Clearly, the clock is ticking on his MLS career. The July 1 contract deadline looms. Rookie James Thorpe, who has been with the club full-time for only a few weeks, was in the lineup. Carvallo entered at the half. Manuel Vallaurio, a 21-year-old from Monaco, is on trial, but not eligible for reserve action. I'm also told that United is looking elsewhere in Europe for goalkeeping help.

The highlights of the half were a disallowed TFC goal (offside on a free kick) and a scuffle about a half-hour into the game that began with Julius James taking exception to Quavas Kirk's challenge near the sideline. James and Kirk jawed for a moment before James smacked Franco Niell in the face and was red-carded. The match remained chippy the remainder of the half with a few minor conflicts.

Meantime, United is moving closer to finalizing a date for the rescheduled Houston match: Tues., July 22, two days before the all-star game. No official word yet.

Ticket sales for Beckham and the Galaxy's visit next week have surpassed 30,000.

[UPDATE]

United wins, 2-0, on a pair of late goals by Niell. Despite being down a man, TFC created some quality chances and Carvallo had to make one reflex save before DCU scored twice. Dyachenko did well to set up the first goal.